ISU

ISU Athletes Commission pays tribute to Denis Ten

20 July 2018

Lausanne / Switzerland

It is with great sadness that we must acknowledge the loss of one of the bright lights in our skating family. Today, we learned that Denis Ten has passed away in tragic and senseless circumstances. For every moment we were fortunate enough to have him with us, Denis represented himself and his country with great distinction both on and off of the ice.

Denis was what you would call a “skater’s skater” in that he had a quality which was admired by both the spectators he mesmerized as well as his fellow competitors that universally respected him. His competitive accomplishments are too extensive to mention one by one but we would be remiss to not highlight his sensational performance that earned him the 2014 Olympic Bronze medal in Sochi. This achievement marked the first ever Winter Games medal in figure skating for his home country of Kazakhstan. The two time World Medalist and 2015 Four Continents Champion has undoubtedly left an impression on the sport that will last forever.

Perhaps the only thing that could outshine his athletic accolades was his unwavering commitment to giving back to the sport of figure skating and being the consummate ambassador for his native Kazakhstan. His innate ability to uplift and unite the people around him was both effortless and inspiring. Through organizing and hosting events, being a leader in the Olympic movement, and his elegant work as an advocate for his fellow athletes, he gave passionately of himself day after day.

Denis Ten represented the very best of us, as an athlete and as a person. There is a place in our hearts and minds that will forever be reserved for him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and everyone whose life he touched.